# beater

/ˈbitɝ/ (US) · /bˈiːtɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/beater
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. kitchen tool

noun · CEFR B1

a tool used for mixing food, like the parts of an electric mixer.

For teachers: a kitchen implement or attachment, typically for an electric mixer, used for whisking or blending ingredients.

- She attached the beaters to the mixer before starting the cake batter.
- The recipe requires you to clean the beaters thoroughly before whipping the egg whites to ensure they reach the proper volume.

### 2. drumstick

noun · CEFR B2

a stick or mallet used to hit a drum or other percussion instrument.

For teachers: a mallet or stick designed for striking a percussion instrument, often featuring a padded head.

- The drummer used a soft beater to create a low, booming sound.
- The percussionist selected a felt-headed beater to achieve a warmer tone during the orchestral swell.

### 3. old car

noun · CEFR B2 · American English · Informal

an old, cheap car that is in bad condition but still works.

For teachers: a dilapidated or inexpensive automobile used for utility rather than status.

- He bought an old beater to drive to work so he wouldn't ruin his new car.
- Despite its rusted exterior and high mileage, the old beater proved remarkably reliable during the winter months.

### 4. everyday shoes or watch

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

a pair of shoes or a watch that you wear every day because you don't mind if they get dirty or scratched.

For teachers: an item of apparel or an accessory, such as a sneaker or wristwatch, intended for frequent use in environments where damage is likely.

- I wore my beaters to the music festival because I knew it would be muddy.
- He reserved his luxury timepieces for formal events, opting for a rugged digital beater during his weekend hiking trips.

### 5. sleeveless shirt

noun · CEFR C1 · American English · Informal

a simple, sleeveless white undershirt.

For teachers: a sleeveless, close-fitting undershirt, typically made of ribbed cotton.

- He wore a white beater under his flannel shirt to stay warm.
- The character was styled in a stained beater and work trousers to emphasize his blue-collar background.

Usage: Often used in the compound 'wife-beater', though this term is increasingly considered offensive.

Teaching tip: The full term 'wife-beater' is highly controversial; learners should use 'undershirt' or 'tank top' to remain neutral.

### 6. hunting assistant

noun · CEFR C2 · British English

a person who hits bushes to drive birds or animals toward people waiting to shoot them.

For teachers: a person employed to flush game from cover during a hunt by making noise or striking vegetation.

- The beaters moved through the woods, shouting to scare the pheasants into the air.
- A line of beaters advanced steadily across the moor, ensuring the grouse flew directly toward the positioned marksmen.

## Examples

- He needs a new beater for his bass drum pedal.
- The drummer adjusted the tension on the kick drum beater to achieve a punchier sound for the rock track.
- While his vintage sports car remains in the garage during winter, he relies on a rusty old beater to navigate the salt-covered roads of the city.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.